Iced flat white: a summer delight!

As the heat of summer beats down, a steaming hot cup of coffee doesn’t always sound that appealing. But for us coffee lovers, giving up our beloved brew is just not an option. That’s why I think an iced flat white is the perfect solution. A cool and refreshing take on the classic flat white coffee, the iced version offers the same great taste in a summer-friendly format. In this post, we’ll explore all the deliciousness that is an iced flat white, including what it is, how to make it, and some great tips and tricks to get the perfect cup every time.

What is an iced flat white?

If you’re new to flat whites, I’ll start with the basics. A flat white is an espresso-based coffee that originated on the other side of the world in Australia, or New Zealand.

It is made with a double shot of espresso, ice cubes and milk, with a thin layer of microfoam on top. While the regular, hot, iced white has steamed foamy milk, the iced version has foamed cold milk.

And before you ask, yes you can froth cold milk! With a blender or frother or even a french press you can create a velvety texture. This will give you a smooth mouthfeel that complements the bold flavors of the espresso.

An iced flat white coffee is a refreshing and satisfying drink that’s perfect for hot weather.

How does iced flat white taste?

So what exactly should you expect when you take your first sip?

Depending on the espresso beans you use, you will notice the strength of the coffee, with some pleasant bitterness mingling with caramels, chocolate and even burnt sugar flavors. But this is balanced by the creamy sweetness of the chilled milk, which adds a velvety texture to the drink.

Take a second sip and it all feels right. A perfect harmony of flavors. And the best part? The ice-cold milk provides an instant feeling of refreshment.

The next thing you’ll notice is that you’ve finished your first flat white and will want to repeat the experience as soon as possible.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to pay coffee shop prices, or even queue for your new favorite coffee. Just follow my super simple recipe about how to make an iced flat white coffee.

How to make an iced flat white

Making this refreshing and energising coffee so is easy. All you’ll need is some basic equipment, a few simple ingredients, and some steps to follow. So lets dive straight in:

Equipment

• Espresso machine or coffee maker
• Milk frother or blender
• Mixing jug
• Tall glass
• Spoon

Ingredients

• 2 shots of espresso
• 1/2 cup cold milk (whole milk works best)
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
• 1-2 tsp sugar or other sweetener (optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Method:

• Start by brewing 2 shots of espresso and letting it cool for a few minutes.
• Pour the cold milk into a mixing jug or frother and froth it.
• Half-fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
• Add any extras – like sweeteners or vanilla extract.
• Pour the cooled espresso over the ice and top it up with frothed cold milk.
• Stir to combine the espresso and milk.
• Sit back and enjoy your refreshing flat white iced coffee!

Top Tips

• I often use whole milk for a creamier taste. But if you don’t want (or can’t) to use dairy, there are lots of great non-dairy options. My current favorite is barista oat milk. It’s super creamy and you can froth it to a really smooth texture.
• Why not experiment with different types of milk such as oat, almond or coconut milk for a more exotic twist? For inspiration, check out my guides to the best dairy milks and best non-dairy milks.
• I also like to mix up the coffee I use. While it is traditional to use a dark roast espresso bean. I sometimes try a medium or even light roast. You will be surprised by how different you iced coffee will taste if you change the coffee you use.
• Don’t overfill the glass with ice as it will water down the coffee.
• Double-shot of espresso gives a stronger coffee flavor.
• If you want a sweeter taste, add a dash of vanilla extract or flavored syrup. Check out my guide to great-tasting flavored syrups you can make at home.

The bottom line

When the temperatures rise, it’s my perfect way to cool down while still enjoying a coffee fix. With its rich, bold espresso flavor and creamy texture,.

It’s the perfect summer drink. And sooo easy to make at home. So why not give it a try? With a little experimentation and my top tips, you’ll have a perfect iced flat white in no time!

Don’t forget to try my other iced coffee recipes. They are all simple to make and ideal for cooling you down on a hot summer day.

Other great iced coffees you’ll enjoy

As a coffee lover, you know that there are endless types of coffee to try. So, when you’re next looking for something different but still want to beat the summer heat, here are a few of my current favorites:

• Iced caramel latte – Relaxing and refreshing in equal measure!
• Vietnamese iced coffee – an exciting twist of summer coffee from a country that is always hot and humid.
• Instant cold brew – a totally mellow coffee experience, even with instant coffee!
• Iced mocha – Don’t tell anyone, you’ll end up making them for the whole family.
• Iced espresso – when you need to cool down but need an energy boost.
• Iced hazelnut latte – a delicious nutty coffee experience.

FAQs

What is an iced flat white?

An iced flat white is a coffee drink that consists of espresso, steamed milk and ice. It has fewer calories than a traditional hot flat white due to the use of cold milk and ice.

The espresso used in an iced flat white typically has a higher concentration than regular brewed coffee, so it still has a strong flavor despite the cold milk and ice. It is a delicious summer alternative to traditional hot coffee drinks. Enjoy!

What coffee beans should I use to make the best iced flat white?

The type of coffee bean you use will affect the flavor and strength of your iced flat white. For a rich espresso flavor, try a darker roast or an Italian blend. For a lighter taste, try a medium or light roast. There are also lots of flavored beans you can experiment with.

What type of milk should I use for my iced flat white?

You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as dairy, almond, oat or soy milk. However, if you want an extra creamy texture, whole milk works best. I also like to use barista oat milk as it is super creamy and froths perfectly.